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Longtime Space Coast political figure Andy Anderson is moving to Florida's Panhandle to become city administrator in Mexico Beach, a small coastal town devastated by Hurricane Michael in October.

"Preparing to begin the most challenging and exciting position in my professional career — more to come soon," Anderson tweeted on July 22, the day he signed his employment contract.

Wednesday is Anderson's last day working as Palm Bay's director of economic development and external affairs. He will travel to Mexico Beach next week to meet with residents and officials, then start his new job on Aug. 26.

National media flocked to Mexico Beach after Category 5 Michael roared ashore, packing 160 mph winds and 9 feet to 14 feet of storm surge. All told, 1,584 of the town's 1,692 buildings were damaged — and 809 of those were destroyed, the National Hurricane Center reported.

The city/s website refers to Mexico Beach as "Mayberry on the Water," and the population is about 1,200 residents. Construction crews have descended on the community, where many residents are still living in fifth-wheel trailers.

"It's a beautiful place. It's just paradise, you know? They're a small town, and they have this small-town attitude and really believe in quality of life and maintaining that. And so, that's what I was looking for," Anderson said Wednesday.

"I'm excited about getting up there and helping them rebuild," he said.

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Bob Pollock, a city councilman and Mexico Beach resident, stands in front of his home which had to be completely gutted after Hurricane Michael hit the Panhandle in Oct. 2018. 200 days later Pollock and his wife are living in an RV while his home is continually undergoing repairs. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

The ceiling in Bob Pollock's home needs to be completely redone after being terribly damaged by Hurricane Michael over 200 days prior. Pollock wears a shirt that says "A new year. A new strength. Bringing Mexico Beach back....together! 2019." Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

The roof of a home in Mexico Beach sits on what was the front porch Friday, May 10, 2019. More than 200 days after Hurricane Michael struck the Panhandle homes are still under construction or have been completely abandoned. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

The wall of a home across from the waterfront of Mexico Beach is covered in gray tarps and the porch is still dismantled more than 200 days since Hurricane Michael struck the Panhandle. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

A home in Mexico Beach. is covered in tarps that are slowly falling apart Friday, May 10, 2019. Hurricane Michael ripped through the Panhandle and left thousands without a home to return to. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

A Mexico Beach home is covered by a blue tarp in place of a roof Friday, May 10, 2019. Hurricane Michael tore through the Panhandle over 200 days prior yet many homes are still left in disarray. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

A Mexico Beach home torn apart by Hurricane Michael seems to be abandoned Friday, May 10, 2019. Hurricane Michael hit the Panhandle in Oct. 2018 and left many families without a home to return to. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

Sandy Bailey, left, and her husband Tom Bailey, former mayor of Mexico Beach, share their story of hiding in their storm cellar and hearing their home being ripped apart by Hurricane Michael Friday, May 10, 2019. Hurricane Michael tore apart hundreds of homes when it tore through the Panhandle on Oct. 10, 2018. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

Bob Wilson, 89, shares his experience of staying in his trailer located in Mexico Beach during Hurricane Michael. The storm tore apart the Panhandle and left thousands without a home to return to. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

Bob Wilson, 89, shares his experience of staying in his trailer located in Mexico Beach, Fla. during Hurricane Michael. Friday, May 10, 2019. On the ceiling in Wilson's home is a large water stain where rain leaks into his home. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

Bob Wilson stayed in his trailer in Mexico Beach during Hurricane Michael, but has been told by officials he needs to move out. Here, Wilson defiantly sits in his recliner, refusing to leave. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

Bob Wilson stayed in his trailer in Mexico Beach as Hurricane Michael tore apart the Panhandle. He stands in the doorway of his trailer covered in tarps protecting his home from further water damage. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

Bob Wilson stayed in his trailer in Mexico Beach as Hurricane Michael tore apart the Panhandle. He stands in the doorway of his trailer covered in tarps protecting his home from further water damage. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

Cindy Neal, a Mexico Beach homeowner, watches as a crew begins to put her home back on cinderblocks seven months after it was pushed off of them during Hurricane Michael. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

Jimmy Haga with J. and B. Mobile Home Movers works on Cindy Neal's home to put it back on cinderblocks seven months after Hurricane Michael shifted the home Friday, May 10, 2019. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

Jimmy Haga with J. and B. Mobile Home Movers works on Cindy Neal's home to put it back on cinderblocks seven months after Hurricane Michael shifted the home Friday, May 10, 2019. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

Bo, a blue tick coonhound, stands in his owners' home, Friday, May 10, 2019. The home had to be gutted after Hurricane Michael ripped through the Panhandle seven months ago. The storm hit in Oct. 2018 and left many families homeless or with severely damaged homes. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

Kim Nobles, a Port St. Joe homeowner, stands on a sheet of plywood where her floor used to be. The home was gutted due to water damage from Hurricane Michael seven months ago. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

Kim Nobles, a Port St. Joe homeowner, stands on a sheet of plywood where her floor used to be. The home was gutted due to water damage from Hurricane Michael seven months ago. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

Kim Nobles, a Port St. Joe homeowner, stands on the ramp to her front porch, looking at the interior doors that were warped by water damage caused by Hurricane Michael seven months ago. Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat

Anderson served on the Brevard County Commission from 2008 to 2016. He previously served four years on the Palm Bay City Council, and he returned to City Hall as an administrator in 2015.

"I've got a lot of time here, a lot of blood, sweat and tears invested in different projects. It's always going to be my original home, as I call it. I left Ohio when I was 18, so my entire adult life has been here," Anderson said.

"I just turned 50, and was looking to move on and do the next chapter of my life," he said.

In May, Anderson — who was serving his third stint as Palm Bay's interim deputy city manager — resigned, effective Oct. 2, to pursue other opportunities. After taking the Mexico Beach job, he advanced his resignation timeline so his accrued vacation time will run out Sept. 4.

County Commissioner Andy Anderson talks about the unfounded allegations that indicated unethical acts after negotiating the Solid waste Collection Contract with Waste Management outside his office at the Brevard County Service Complex in Melbourne. 2013 FLORIDA TODAY FILE

County Commissioner Andy Anderson said there was "nothing unethical or illegal" done by commissioners or county staff. Anderson spoke about allegations that indicated unethical acts after negotiating the Solid waste Collection Contract with Waste Management. 2013 FLORIDA TODAY FILE

Despite a resident's suggestion that county commissioners "duke it out" to settle personal grievances, Andy Anderson, second from left, Trudie Infantini and former pro football player Robin Fisher aren't likely to follow that advice. 2008 FLORIDA TODAY FILE

Andy Anderson, District 5, and Trudie Infantini, Distrcit 3, listen to one of the speakers at a County Commission meeting at the Brevard County Government Center in Viera. TIM SHORTT/2013 FLORIDA TODAY FILE

County Commission chairman Andy Anderson gets his head shaved by James P. Teele during Saturday's St. Baldricks childrens cancer research fundraiser at The Avenue Viera. Craig Bailey, Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY

A Day of Resistance rally was held in Pineapple Park in Melbourne on Saturday afternoon. Nearly 200 people gathered to show support for their right to keep and bear arms. County Commissioner Andy Anderson speaks to the crowd. Rik Jesse, Rik Jesse/ FLORIDA TODAY

D.R. Horton held their groundbreaking ceremony for Sawgrass Lakes Tuesday morning. The huge development will be built in phases, and will eventually include over 930 homes. What's a grounbreaking without men and gold shovels,- Keith Williams, Division President, East Florida Division, D.R. Horton, Hal Rose, Mayor, West melbourne, County Commissioner Andy Anderson and West Melbourne City Manager Scott Morgan. Malcolm Denemark, MALCOLM DENEMARK/FLORIDA TODAY

TOWNHALL 12/6/09 Bill Posey, at right, addresses the audience. A town hall meeting, hosted by News Talk WMMB, (1240 and 1350 on the am radio dial), was held at Levelz nightclub, in West Melbourne, Sunday afternoon. About 200 people attended, to listen to, and question the panel of five. Moderator was radio talk show host, Bill Mick. The guest speakers were, Left to right: Mark LaRusso, Vice Mayor of Melbourne, Andy Ziegler, member of the Brevard County school board. (Amy Kneesey was originally scheduled, but could not make it) , County Commissioner Andy Anderson, Representive Ralph Poppell, and Representative Bill Posey. Photos by Tim Shortt, FLORIDA TODAY for story by Michelle Spitzer. video also taken in case WBCC show needs it. Tim Shortt, Tim Shortt, FLORIDA TODAY

David Cooke (in mascot Bridgette costume) is flanked by Andy Anderson, Brevard County Commissioner, and Carey Gleason, dressed tacky for the occasion, to promote the upcoming Wacky Tacky Golf Tourney to benefit Bridges, an organization that helps people with disabilities. The event will be held at Duran golf course in Viera on May 16th. TIM SHORTT/FLORIDA TODAY

Anderson said his resignation was not related to political controversy that has jolted Palm Bay City Hall, including the May arrest of former Deputy City Manager Dave Isnardi. Isnardi worked as chief of staff in Anderson's County Commission District 5 office.

Isnardi faces charges of racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy to commit extortion, and two counts of conspiracy to possess controlled substances — oxycodone and ethylone.

Mexico Beach is about 10 miles east of Tyndall Air Force Base along U.S. 98. The military installation sustained an estimated $4.7 billion in damages from Michael.

On Tuesday, the Trump administration confirmed squadrons of F-35 fighter jets will be based at Tyndall AFB beginning in 2023, the Associated Press reported.